Equations of Lines — Question 1

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Question 1

Find vector, parametric, and symmetric equations of the line through A=(−2,3,1)A=(-2,3,1) and B=(4,−1,7)B=(4,-1,7). Determine the point on the line whose xx-coordinate is 7.

Original worksheet page 1: question and worked solution for 6-2-001
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Question 1 – Solution

Strategy Use B−AB-A as a direction vector and keep one common parameter in all coordinates.

See the diagram in the original worksheet below.

Equations A direction is ⟨6,−4,6⟩=2⟨3,−2,3⟩\left\langle 6,-4,6\right\rangle=2\left\langle 3,-2,3\right\rangle. Thus r→=⟨−2,3,1⟩+t⟨3,−2,3⟩,x=−2+3t,y=3−2t,z=1+3t,\vec r=\left\langle-2,3,1\right\rangle+t\left\langle 3,-2,3\right\rangle,\quad x=-2+3t,\ y=3-2t,\ z=1+3t, and (x+2)/3=(y−3)/(−2)=(z−1)/3\boxed{(x+2)/3=(y-3)/(-2)=(z-1)/3}.

Requested point From −2+3t=7-2+3t=7, t=3t=3, giving (7,−3,10)\boxed{(7,-3,10)}.

Verification t=0t=0 gives AA and t=2t=2 gives BB.

Original worksheet page 2: question and worked solution for 6-2-001

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